Category Archives: Spain

Albariño, Viña Vedra, Val do Salnés, Rias Baixas DO, Spain, 2013, 12.5% abv, C$17++

The Val do Salnés region is located in Rias Baixas and hangs way off the edge of northwestern Spain, north of the border with Portugal where the grape is called Alvarinho. Hugging the Atlantic Ocean and cooled by its breezes, … Continue reading

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Txakoli, Bodegas Gurrutxaga, Bizkaiko Txakolina DO, Spain, 11.5% abv, C$30

A word to the marketing department at Bodegas Gurrutxaga.  A little additional English on the bottle would help get the word out.  Just sayin’… But then, perhaps they want to keep this one a secret – and I can certainly … Continue reading

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Viña Tondonia, López de Heredia, Rioja Alta, Spain, 2002, 13.5% abv, C$54

Here I sit in the Toronto Pearson International airport because I missed a flight to São Paolo.  It’s St. Patrick’s day, but I’m not drinking green beer with the rest of the traveling masses.  Instead, I’m thinking about friendship, how … Continue reading

Posted in Graciano, Grenache / Garnacha, Mazuelo, RED, Spain, Tempranillo | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

In Vino Veritas, Viña Eguía, Reserva, Rioja DOCa, Spain, 2007, 13.5% abv, US$10

In wine, there is truth.  Sometimes too much truth, but that depends on how much of it you drink. The truth is, this wine punches far above its weight for the price (US$10 at Costco in the States, and more … Continue reading

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Fino, En Rama, Montilla Moriles DO, Alvear, Spain, 2008, 15% abv. C$25

Are you looking for a wine to accompany a charcuterie plate this holiday season?  Pick this up some of this Fino. En Rama sports the palest shade of lemon, so light it’s almost water white.  The nose exudes yeasty bread … Continue reading

Posted in FORTIFIED WINE, Pedro Ximenez / Pedro Gimenez, Sherry, Spain, WHITE | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Viña Gravonia, White Crianza, López de Heredia, Rioja DOC, Spain, 2004, 12.5% abv.

Oh dear followers, this is my favourite kind of wine.  I just love these classics – few wines are made in this traditional fashion. Why?  They’re challenging, different, unique, unusual.  I’ve opened up a 2000 version of this in the … Continue reading

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Verdejo, Naia, Rueda DO, Spain, 2010, 13% abv, $26

Now, this wine made me sit up and take notice!  It was marked down for sale as it’s near the end of its drinking life, but make no mistake; this is an awesome drink. Verdejo is the grape of Rueda … Continue reading

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Albariño, Burgáns, Rias Baixas DO, Spain, 2010, 13% abv, C$21++

Here is another Spanish white for your drinking pleasure – I seem to have been enjoying a lot of them these days.  They’re a good deal, are generally well made and balanced with good flavour and appropriate alcohol. This Albariño is … Continue reading

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AcÚstic, Garnaxa Blanca, Montsant DO, Spain, 2012, 14% abv. C$27 @ Marquis Wine Cellars

Montsant DO lies literally in a ring around tiny Priorat DOQ just inland on the northeastern shores of Spain, southwest of Barcelona.  Oft ignored as ‘lesser than’ compared to the tinier but mightier DOQ it surrounds, this wine is proof … Continue reading

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Albariño, Martin Códax, Rias Baixas DO, Spain, 2011, 12.5% abv. C$22.90

Go out and get a bottle of this – bypass the Sauvignon Blanc, the Chardonnay and the Pinot Grigio.  Here is a fabulous little Spanish white that not only tastes great, but punches well above its weight and is a great deal. … Continue reading

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